We've Only Just Begun (idea)

"The televison commercial for a Californian bank caught Richard's attention one day when he recognized the voice of Paul Williams singing in the background. The Paul Williams / Roger Nichols songwriting team, at this time virtually unknown, had written We've Only Just Begun as background for a scene in which a newlywed couple had only just begun. The Carpenters released their own interpretation of this song in September of 1970, and it followed Close To You into the No. 1 spot, and into the gold record category.

In terms of recognition, this is probably the most important song the Carpenters have recorded. Letters from all over the world, written by people who are newlyweds or -- tragically -- potential suicides, have celebrated this song's uplifting feeling of hope. Richard says, 'Taking everything into consideration, song, lyric, arrangement, orchestration and vocal performance, this is probably our best single. If I had to pick a favorite out of all our songs, this is it.'"